In the United States, more than 8 million Americans suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD)—hardening of the arteries in the limbs, often the legs. PAD is caused by the same risk factors that lead to heart disease. Those at risk include anyone over the age of 50, especially African Americans; those who smoke or have smoked; and those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or a personal or family history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke. PAD is a common and treatable disease that is on the rise among midlife and older Americans. However,it is still largely unknown, often unrecognized and regarded by many as an inevitable consequence of aging.

To learn more about PAD and to find out what you can do to “stay in circulation,” ask your health care provider to check your risk for PAD and take action today to lower it. For more information, call the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Health Information Center at (301) 592-8573 or visit www.aboutpad.org.

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Source: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute